rail

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /reɪɫ/ or /reɪl/
• SAMPA: /reIl/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular rail

Plural rails

A rail for people to hold (sense 1)

A train of rail cars that go along rail tracks (sense 2)

1. A rail is a long and thin piece of metal.
   • Synonyms: rod, bar and railing
2. A rail is a long and thin bar along a stairway or path for people to slide their hand along while they walk.
   • Synonym: banister

   She put her hand on the railing beside the stairs so she wouldn't fall.

3. A rail is a surface where trains run on.
   • Synonyms: railway and railroad

   The railway stretches across the country.

Verb

Plain form rail

Third-person singular rails

Past tense railed

Past participle railed

Present participle railing

1. (intransitive) If you rail, you travel by railway.
2. (transitive) (vulgar) (slang) If you rail someone, you sexually penetrate in a rough manner.